Hidden GemsFree
Levada do Caldeirão Verde
Queimadas
A walk along a water channel through laurel forest to a waterfall, with a few tunnels.
- Suggested time: 5 hrs
- No booking needed
- Suits: Everyone
Open-air; best in dry weather
Madeira
5 quieter places to add to the big sights: viewpoints, markets, walks, small museums and local favourites.
Plan your Madeira trip
- Flight + Hotel PackageRecommended Best option if you want the trip arranged together. View Packages Packages
- Hotels Prefer to book accommodation separately? View Hotels Hotels
- Flights Already have accommodation? View Flights Flights
- Things To Do Tours, attractions and experiences. View Activities Activities
5 places in Madeira
Hidden GemsFree
Ponta de São Lourenço Walk
Caniçal
A dry, dramatic peninsula with orange cliffs, sea stacks and clear water.
- Suggested time: 3h 30m
- No booking needed
- Suits: Beach lovers · Photographers
Open-air; check heat before setting off
Hidden GemsFree
Santana Triangular Houses
Santana
Thatched, triangular cottages painted in red and blue, a symbol of the island.
- Suggested time: 1h 30m
- No booking needed
- Suits: Couples
Open-air; small paid park nearby
Hidden GemsFree
Fanal Laurel Forest
Fanal
Ancient twisted laurel trees wreathed in mist on a high plateau, dreamlike in fog.
- Suggested time: 2h 30m
- No booking needed
- Suits: Photographers
Open-air; visibility varies with cloud
Day Trips~£40
Dolphin and Whale Watching
Funchal Marina
Boat trips to spot resident dolphins and, seasonally, whales in the deep channel.
- Suggested time: 3 hrs
- Booking recommended
- Suits: Families
Trips daily in season
Hidden gems are the quieter alternatives to the headline sights. Prices, hours and booking advice are approximate, so check the official site before you go.